Bloom champions Bridgnorth taking a break from contest
It is a town that prides itself on its flowers, and has been a champion of them in the past, but Bridgnorth is ducking out of this year’s Heart of England in Bloom Award.
Bridgnorth Town Council has declared it has instead decided to focus its attention elsewhere.
The decision hasn’t gone down too well with locals though. Although Bridgnorth High Street continues to feature hanging baskets, they won’t be judged this year and there will be no chance of winning bragging rights over rival Shropshire towns.
The council has made the decision despite the town winning a plethora of awards in past years, including being crowned gold in 2017 alongside other towns in Shropshire including Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry.
Councillors say they are taking a planned break as they hope to refocus their energy and funds into “other important matters” within the town.The break is also expected to save the town council money, although a figure on any saving is not available.
Bridgnorth Mayor Ron Whittle said: “It’s true we are not entering this year. It is quite common for towns to take a break and I think I am right in thinking that Bridgnorth has taken a break in previous years. We’ve been very consistent for many years now.
“Entering the competition brings a lot of added pressures and responsibilities for the council staff so we decided that we wouldn’t enter the competition, and focus on other issues. That doesn’t mean that there will be reduction in the number of flowers within the town or a change in the way we operate.”
In the past, the town has fully embraced the annual competition, displaying hanging baskets throughout the High Street, as well as floral displays on road islands and other various locations across Bridgnorth.
Councillor Whittle added: “Things are tight with local councils having to make big cuts. We have a lot on in general, so we are trying to pick up the slack and focus our energy on other things. We’ve also taken on one or two new areas that we are now responsible for keeping nice and pretty, there is always plenty to do.”
Some of the focus that came with the In Bloom bid will this summer transfer to the art trail, in which decorated steam train sculptures will be dotted around the town.
But businesses today expressed their concern, as many believe the floral displays bring in extra visitors, boosting the local economy throughout the summer months.
Michael Tipton of Toys Emporium in Whitburn Street said: “It’s a big shame because they’ve done so well in the past. Of course the flowers are a popular attraction for visitors from all over the county and the competition benefits local businesses greatly. It will definitely be sadly missed this year.
"The reality is that things are getting tight, maybe they’ve decided to spend the money elsewhere.”
Mark Carter, of Tanner’s Wines, added: “It’s a real shame, I’m sure all the business in Bridgnorth would agree that the flowers attract a lot of tourists each year. Bridgnorth is a tourist town, with people visiting especially to see the flowers. Not having them this year will make an impact on local businesses and trade without a doubt.”
Resident Ann Quinn wrote a letter of protest as she believes there is a noticeable difference this year in Low Town.
She said: “It is weeds galore growing through bench seats, islands and overtaking paths. I’m ashamed of our beautiful town right now and disgusted with our council for letting it go to ruin, purely because there’s no competition. Residents deserve better.”
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Meanwhile, Oswestry steps up a gear as it aims for floral title
As Bridgnorth withdraws from the Heart of England in Bloom competition, another Shropshire market town has stepped up its efforts as it attempts to be crowned Best in Britain.
The Oswestry in Bloom committee has taken more than a dozen gold awards in the regional competition but last year took the ultimate accolade as overall winner in the Heart of England large town category.
This summer it will see the national judges as well as regional, arrive in the town to see how Oswestry shapes up against rivals, Beverley, Penrith, Ballymena, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Bury St Edmunds, Congleton, Colwyn Bay and Perth.
It is the first time the town, one of the smallest in the category, had been named overall winner for the category.
Chairman of the Oswestry in Bloom committee, Betty Gull, said it meant a shift of focus for the in-bloom volunteers. In previous years community ventures have featured heavily in the portfolio given to judges.
She said “The emphasis is not so much on community initiatives as it is in the Heart of England competition but much more horticultural in the national competition.
“This will be a great adventure for Oswestry and we need to get the community on board, whether that is volunteering to join the committee or by doing their bit for the judges’ visit. “If anyone can give up just a little of their time to get involved we would be very grateful.
“We need community groups to look after their green spaces. We would also like businesses to get involved in the town council’s hanging basket scheme and individuals to ensure their front gardens are looking their best.”
Anyone who can volunteer should call 01691 680222.
